Ulster County has launched a new grant program with $250,000 of American Rescue Plan Act funding to support the purchase of Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs) for youth sports programs and summer camps.
An amendment to New York State Public Health Law that was signed into law in January requires that all summer camps and youth sports programs make at least one AED available and ensure that at least one individual present in activities is certified in its use. To support this public safety initiative and help local camps and youth programs meet these new costs, the County will provide up to $5,000 per organization for equipment and training, upon submission of a Cardiac Emergency Implementation Plan.
This grant is available for non-profit (501c3) camps as well as youth games and sports programs that are not municipally operated. Grant applications are due by October 15, 2024. A copy of the application can be found at bit.ly/3SvNcTf. For more information, email AEDGrant[at]co.ulster.ny[dot]us.
“An AED can save a life in the event of sudden cardiac arrest, and it makes good sense for every summer camp and sports program to have this equipment at the ready and to have an individual trained in its use,” said Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger. “I want to thank the Ulster County Legislature for creating this ARPA-funded program, which will help ensure that camps and sports programs can afford to make this essential public health and safety investment.”
“The use of Automatic External Defibrillators in youth sports is crucial,” said Legislator Tom Corcoran, ARPA Committee Chair. “Young athletes are 3.5 times more likely to experience sudden cardiac arrest than non-athletes. This grant is instrumental in helping to protect thousands of kids in Ulster County, and takes a significant step toward saving these precious young lives.”
"With growing concern and focus on health and safety in youth sports, this program could have a life-changing impact,” said Legislator Abe Uchitelle, Chair of Health, Human Services and Housing Committee. “Even if one child's life is saved, it will all be worth it.”
“As both the Director of Emergency Services and a coach in the Highland Youth Football and Cheer Program, I wholeheartedly support this initiative,” said Everett Erichsen, Ulster County Department of Emergency Services Director. “AEDs can mean the difference between life and death in cardiac emergencies, and making them more accessible at youth sports events and camps is a game-changer for our community's safety. This $250,000 grant program demonstrates Ulster County's commitment to protecting our young athletes and ensuring peace of mind for parents and coaches alike. By investing in these life-saving devices, we're not just enhancing safety, we're also educating our community about the importance of emergency preparedness. It's a proactive step that could save young lives and set an example for others to follow.”
“As of May 21st, 2024, New York State Public Health Law, Section 3000-F required all permitted Children’s Camps in New York State to have Automated External Defibrillators (AED) prior to the 2024 operating season. This law also requires camps to have an implementation plan and staff that possess acceptable certifications and training in the use and operation of the facilities AED,” said Laura Bell, Ulster County Department of Health Environmental Health Manager. “As a parent of two young campers myself, knowing that these life saving devices are now available helps to ease my mind when sending my girls off to camp each morning.”
